How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Canada (2025) | Toronto, Vancouver & Beyond

Quick Answer: Traveling to Canada in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Banff, or Niagara Falls, an eSIM makes it simple to stay online. Skip SIM card shops — buy a plan online, scan a QR code, and connect instantly. This guide compares the best eSIMs for Canada, with realistic price ranges, coverage notes, and setup steps.

Why use an eSIM in Canada?

Canada is massive — from urban hubs to national parks — and having reliable data is a must. An eSIM helps you:

Activate before you land at YYZ, YVR, or YUL airports.
Stay connected across multiple provinces without switching SIM cards.
Keep your WhatsApp number active while adding Canadian data.
Avoid high roaming fees from your home carrier.

Top Picks (2025)

Budget travelers: Airalo — 1–10 GB plans at affordable rates.
Unlimited-style: Holafly — unlimited-style packages for heavy data use.
Regional coverage: Nomad — North America bundles (USA + Canada + Mexico).

Canadian eSIM Prices (2025 snapshot)

Provider	Plan	Price (USD)	Validity	Best for
Airalo	1–3 GB	$5–$9	7–15 days	Short city trips
Airalo	5–10 GB	$13–$24	30 days	1–2 week road trips
Holafly	Unlimited-style	$27–$69	5–30 days	Streaming, hotspot (FUP applies)
Nomad	NA bundle 3–10 GB	$11–$27	7–30 days	Multi-country (USA/Canada/Mexico)

Coverage & Networks in Canada

Canada has three main national networks plus smaller operators:

Rogers — wide coverage, especially in Ontario and major cities.
Bell — very strong in Eastern Canada and Quebec.
Telus — excellent coverage in Western provinces (Alberta, BC).
Freedom Mobile / regional carriers — limited but cheaper, usually not used by travel eSIMs.

Travel eSIMs usually roam on Rogers, Bell, or Telus, so you’ll have stable service in cities and on major highways. In rural northern areas, expect slower speeds or patchy coverage — download offline maps before trips to Banff, Jasper, or Yukon.

Setup Checklist (2 minutes)

Purchase your eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad).
Receive QR code instantly by email.
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR → assign as Mobile Data line.
Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only → restart if needed.

Which eSIM is best for your trip?

3–5 day city trip: Airalo 1–3 GB is enough for navigation and light browsing.
1–2 week Rockies or East Coast trip: Airalo 5–10 GB or Nomad 10 GB bundle.
1 month or digital nomad: Holafly unlimited-style plan for peace of mind.

Tips for saving data in Canada

Download offline maps for Banff, Jasper, Quebec City.
Use Wi-Fi at hotels, cafés, and VIA Rail stations.
Lower video resolution when streaming on mobile data.

FAQs

Does Canada have 5G? Yes — Rogers, Bell, and Telus all support 5G in major cities.

Can I hotspot? Yes, Airalo & Nomad allow tethering; Holafly may restrict or throttle heavy use.

Do I need a Canadian phone number? No — data-only eSIMs are fine for most travelers; WhatsApp still works.

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Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. Prices and coverage updated regularly.